Risk Factors

We all can recognize and reduce the risk of suicide.Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for suicide. Keep in mind that recognizing these factors in yourself or others does not automatically mean you are suicidal or that someone is considering suicide.

Recognizing the Risk Factors of the mind and body:

• History or signs of depression• History of mental illness• History of being abused or mistreated• History of self-injury• Tendency to be impulsive• Major physical illness• Affective disorders (i.e. mood disorders)• Previous suicide attempt(s)

Factors from your environment:

• Barriers to mental health services• Lack of community support• Homelessness• A death or relationship breakup• A job loss or change in financial security• Feeling unsafe• Family history of suicide• High stress family environment or dynamic• Academic or family crisis• Easy access to lethal materials

Factors you take part in, experience or learn:

• Risky health behaviors (e.g. substance abuse, unsafe sex practices, etc.)• Lack of support from other youth• Cultural or religious beliefs that suggest suicide as a solution• Exposure to suicide through the media, family, friends or co-workers• Unwillingness to seek help• Non-suicidal self-injury• Victimization at home or in school• Difficulty in school, failing grades, bullying others

Reducing the Risk

There are many ways to lower someone's risk of suicide, such as having: